31-08-2011, 06:43 PM
J*R Wrote:The idea of having an auction to play on a live board is quite frankly ridiculous! Donations are good, but will they be enough to raise the full amount?
This wont be a popular opinion with those not playing in the Open's, but really broadcasting games from the lower events makes no sense to me. It might be an elitist view, but I think these boards should be for the best players who play the best chess. Those in lower events who would like to play on such boards, well then you should work your way up through the ranks until you are good enough to compete in Open events.
I could be wrong, but I can't recall any other events in England or Europe where expensive sensorary boards are used to broadcast games between players who could be as lowely rated as 1200.
What is it with you and your elitist opinions on absolutely everything? If the boards are only for the best players who play the best chess then why don’t you pay for them then? Or is a case of "Ooooh no, lets go cap in hand to the players who are the lifeblood of chess in Scotland who make up to 80% of tournament entrants and who already subsidise us for our prize money." Lower graded players are not a cashcow to milked by the "elite" (I hate that term but it will do for this rant!) and treated with contempt.
I don’t know why you guys seem to think you are entitled to handouts from everyone else. Because you are the best? Does that make you guys the best at bringing in sponsorship? the big draws so the thousands of your fans can watch you? If so, prove it...
I hate to say it but if this is the underlying principle and view behind sensory boards and a £1 surcharge is levied I have no intention of paying it. Congress organisers can decide whether they want my entry at £23 or no entry at £24 as I will not endorse the principle of elitism in any way, shape or form.
On your issue of who would watch live games: The Junior Scottish Cup final (football) each season tends to have a better attendance than many SPL games in a season and there is a gulf in level as some would put it. It is also broadcast on the television. I guess the people who attend and watch that are just misguided?
Edit to add: Also I find your last sentence particularly distressing - grade is irrelevant for many. I have seen blunders in the Open that would be eye openers in a Minor. Also the use of the word lowly is offensive and maybe instead of criticising players who are not as good as yourself and telling them to do more work maybe you can impart some of your experience and learnings to others in another topic where us "lowly" players could learn from your greatness. =o
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